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natew · 2004 May 19th, 10:33 AM

Used only ETS paper tests, no PR etc

Paper test scores: 610, 650, 630, 740, 680, 690 in that order

Real test after about a month of paper tests: 700 (Q42, V45)

IMO, paper tests are the best way to prepare, as they are actual tests that include the scaled scores and should be deadly accurate if timed.

The real GMAT (CAT) can be a bit more unnerving due to the fact that you get a harder question after getting the previous one correct, etc. My strategy for the Quant section (my weaker subject) was to realize that, unlike on the ETS paper tests, once you get to a tough question it sometimes pays to take a quick guess and bring the level of questions down a bit. Otherwise, if you're intent on solving questions above your level of difficulty, you will waste too much time and fail to complete the section.

I think that the CAT is a more accurate assessment of skill level because the paper tests allow for a wide range of possible scores depending on the success of guessed answers, while the CAT "reigns in" your guesswork a bit.

Those of you with 99% Q scores don't need to think this way, of course...

2004 May 19th, 10:33 AM	#24 (permalink)
natew I JUST got here. Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 8	Used only ETS paper tests, no PR etc Paper test scores: 610, 650, 630, 740, 680, 690 in that order Real test after about a month of paper tests: 700 (Q42, V45) IMO, paper tests are the best way to prepare, as they are actual tests that include the scaled scores and should be deadly accurate if timed. The real GMAT (CAT) can be a bit more unnerving due to the fact that you get a harder question after getting the previous one correct, etc. My strategy for the Quant section (my weaker subject) was to realize that, unlike on the ETS paper tests, once you get to a tough question it sometimes pays to take a quick guess and bring the level of questions down a bit. Otherwise, if you're intent on solving questions above your level of difficulty, you will waste too much time and fail to complete the section. I think that the CAT is a more accurate assessment of skill level because the paper tests allow for a wide range of possible scores depending on the success of guessed answers, while the CAT "reigns in" your guesswork a bit. Those of you with 99% Q scores don't need to think this way, of course...